D3493: Integrative taxonomy reveals cryptic diversity masquerading as Dixella indiana (Dyar 1925) (Diptera: Dixidae), including Dixa pseudindiana Peters 1981 and three species new to science

Dixella indiana (Dyar 1925) and Dixa pseudindiana Peters 1981 are two species of meniscus midge (Diptera: Dixidae) found in the eastern United States. While originally they were classified under separate genera, preliminary specimen gathering suggested a closer relation, as well as uncovering the existence of 3 previously undiscovered species that were closely related to Dixella indiana and Dixa pseudindiana. Morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses of all 5 taxa have resulted in the transfer of Dixa pseudindiana from genus Dixa to Dixella and the creation of the Dixella indiana species complex to contain all 5 species. Proposed species group, new species, and genus transfer are supported by descriptions of life stages from larva to adult for all species group members, DNA fingerprints, and phylogenetic trees for species populations.